Author: Federica Morgandi

 

The Aomori Nebuta (Neputa) Matsuri (ねぶた祭 or ねぷた祭) is a summer festival held annually from August 2 to 7 in Aomori City, the capital of Aomori Prefecture, Japan. 

 

The main attraction of the festival is the nightly procession of massive lantern floats, accompanied by powerful taiko drums, lively musicians, and dancers.

 

The festival’s main events take place in the central part of the city, with the parade route forming a loop approximately 3.1 kilometers long. 

 

This route passes notable landmarks such as the Aomori City Hall and the Aomori Prefectural Building, and extends north along Hakkō-dōri.

 

The Colorful World of Nebuta Floats

 

Photo of Nebuta Floats.

 

The centerpiece of the festival is the strikingly colorful and dramatic human-shaped floats known as Nebuta, measuring about 9 meters wide, 7 meters deep, and 5 meters tall. 

 

In the early days, these floats often depicted legendary warlords, historical figures, and kabuki characters.

 

Photo by Jun Ohashi from Unsplash.

 

These massive creations make their way through the streets of Aomori, joined by Haneto dancers who energetically leap and twirl to the vibrant beats of Nebuta Bayashi.

 

Nebuta Bayashi—traditional music ensembles—feature a lively mix of taiko drums, flutes, and hand cymbals. The drummers drive the rhythm, the flutes carry the melody, and the cymbals add sharp, joyful accents. 

 

The Haneto dancers move in sync with this dynamic music, bringing the parade to life with their spirited performance. The Haneto dancers leap and dance through the streets alongside the nebutas, as onlookers cheer with the chant “Rassera, Rassera.”

 

One of the festival’s unique aspects is that anyone can join in the dance, provided they wear a Haneto costume, inviting everyone to be part of the celebration.

 

How to Join the Dance as a Haneto

 

Photo of Haneto Dancers.

 

Anyone can simply walk into the festival and start dancing as a Haneto—there’s no need for prior booking or registration on the day of the event.

 

You can wear an official Haneto costume and join any Nebuta group at the starting point of the parade.

 

Haneto costumes are available for purchase at department stores throughout Aomori City, and some shops also offer rentals and assistance with getting dressed.

 

The History Behind the Aomori Nebuta Festival

 

 

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is believed to have evolved from the Tanabata Festival (aka Star Festival, a once-a-year meeting of two star-crossed lovers, Orihime and Hikoboshi, separated by the Milky Way), although the accuracy of this origin story remains uncertain.

 

It’s said that influences from China’s Tanabata Festival blended with the regional traditions and customs of Tsugaru. As paper, bamboo, and candles became more accessible, these elements gradually transformed into lanterns, which eventually developed into what we now recognize as nebutas (floating lanterns).

 

Historically, local community councils have been responsible for crafting these nebutas and showcasing them annually. Over time, the floats have grown in both size and intricacy.

 

The Artisans Behind the Massive Nebuta Floats

 

Picture from the Warasse Museum.

 

Also known as Nebuta Masters, Nebutashi in Japanese, these people are experts, responsible for everything—from the initial design to the structure and color schemes of the floats.

 

Planning for the next year begins soon after the festival ends, with the first design drafts typically finished by winter.

 

The creation process starts with detailed parts like faces, arms, and legs. By May, the full framework is assembled using wood and wire in dedicated studios.

 

Next, light bulbs are installed inside, and the frame is covered with washi, traditional Japanese paper. Once the paper is applied, the masters outline the design with black charcoal ink, add patterns using melted wax, and finally bring the nebuta to life with brushes and spray paint.

 

Key Locations of the Parade

 

• Parade Route: The festival’s vibrant floats and dancers can be seen along a looped route in central Aomori City. This area is easily accessible, being just a 5 to 10-minute walk from JR Aomori Station. 

 

• Nebuta Rasse Land: This site houses the floats during the day, allowing visitors to view them up close and learn about their construction. 

 

• Nebuta Museum WA-RASSE: This museum offers a year-round exhibition of Nebuta floats and provides insights into the festival’s history.

 

Nabuta Maritime Parade with Fireworks.

 

Visitor Information

■ Address: 1-1-1 Yasukata, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture, 030-0803, Japan (Shinmachi-dori Street, Heiwa Koen-dori Street, National Route 4 and 7, Hakko-dori Street)

■ Hours: 

19:00 to 21:10 (August 2-3 parade)

18:45 to 21:10 (August 4-6* parade)

*Award-winning nebutas will be paraded on August 6.

13:00 to 15:00 (August 7 parade)

19:15 to 21:00 (August 7 fireworks)

■ Admission:

Free (sidewalk seating)

3500 yen (reserved seating in the paid area)

Tickets go on sale about one month before the festival and can be purchased at convenience stores.

■ Website: https://www.nebuta.jp/foreign/english.html

Access Information

■ 10-minute walk from JR Aomori Station.

■ 30 minutes by car from Aomori Airport.

■ 15 minutes by car from Aomori Chuo IC.